County electric aggregation program inches toward implementation

GENEVA – Kane County is about to be one step closer toward implementing an electric aggregation program for unincorporated residents.

The Energy and Environmental Committee on Thursday recommended approval of the electrical power aggregation plan of operation and governance.

The document – which was the subject of two public hearings last month – describes the policies and procedures the county will use to carry out its electric aggregation program, including policies and procedures relating to rates and customer service.

Ken Anderson, director of the county’s division of environmental and water resources, expects the County Board will approve the plan in August.

But the implementation process likely won’t be done for at least two to three months, he said, acknowledging that’s not as fast as some might like.

Next steps include hiring a consultant to help the county secure an electric rate from a supplier, Anderson said. He said the goal is getting a rate lower than ComEd. Otherwise, he said, the county won’t proceed.

Residents will be able to opt out of the program and continue to get their electricity supplied by ComEd, but the county expects that those in the program should experience some savings.

Several municipalities within the county – including Elburn and Campton Hills – have electric aggregation programs.

In other news, Anderson presented some highlights from a portion of the 2015 proposed budget that falls under the county’s development umbrella.

In addition to allocating $1 million for the proposed cross-country course at Settler’s Hill, Anderson said the budget includes $25,000 to replace a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer with a hybrid vehicle, making it the county’s first gas-electric vehicle.

Today, the Judicial and Public Safety Committee is expected to hear budget presentations from 13 departments and offices, including the state’s attorney’s office, sheriff’s office and coroner’s office.